Eye Makeup Tips for the Visually Impaired

I’ve recently lost the vision (temporarily) in one eye and have found that applying eye makeup can be quite challenging. But I determined to continue my daily routine as best I can with partial vision and that includes wearing makeup.

Many women can’t see a thing without their glasses or contacts and have a devil of a time applying eye makeup, so I’d like to share some tips that I’ve found helpful.

1. Makeup Tools

• Magnifying makeup mirror with good lighting -- An essential tool for both the sighted and partially sighted

• Magnifying glass -- Use this when after applying to expect possible mistakes

• Clean cosmetic applicators

• Tissues and Q-tips, wipes, etc.

• Eye makeup remover (hypoallergenic and oil-free works best)

• Eyelash curler

2. Use the Vision You Have

If you are lucky enough to have partial vision, use it to your advantage. Most of us tend to close our eyes when applying eye makeup, but practice keeping at least one eye open.

Lean close to the mirror and tip your head back and look down when applying eye shadow or liner. When it’s time for mascara look straight ahead or bow your head downward until you can see minimally what you’re doing.

When one of your senses has been impaired, another sense can help you out. Whether you use your fingers, a brush, or a sponge-tipped applicator, your sense of touch will become more acute than your sight.

3. The process

• Eye shadow - Use a light touch, first into the eye shadow container (I find powder works better than cake, but it’s a matter of choice), then on to the eye.

Check the amount of eye shadow after each wipe until you reach the color, thickness and variation you’re looking for. Remember to count how many strokes you use to get an even amount on each eye.

Note: If you have a hard time determining the colors in the eye shadow compact, ask a friend to help or buy shadow colors separately and mark the darkest color to the lightest.

• Eyeliner - Applying eyeliner can be tricky for even those with 20/20 vision, but for the visually impaired it can be a toughie and you might decide to skip this step. But if you’re up for the challenge, here we go.

If you have small eyes, applying eye make-up might be quite a baffling job. Although your aim may be to make them appear only a wee bit larger than they actually are, the task may not be just like simple. Overdoing the make-up could possibly make them look smaller, while applying not enough of it could render them completely insignificant. Therefore, the secret lies in striking a medium balance that is just right for that desired impact. Similarly, the option of colours can also be extremely important while doing up smaller eyes. Whereas some colours can magnify them, some could make them appear further diminished. Therefore, to be able to accomplish this task perfectly, you would surely require some expert help and guidance. Eye makeup for small eye

We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.